The similarities between the two terms leave many patients wondering, what is the difference between diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema? Diabetic retinopathy is the broader term for diabetes-related damage to the retinal blood vessels. Diabetic macular edema, or DME, is swelling in the macula caused by leakage from those damaged vessels. The two terms are related but not interchangeable: DME is one way diabetic retinopathy can affect vision.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the broader term for diabetes-related damage to the retinal blood vessels. It can range from early vessel changes to more advanced disease with bleeding, blocked blood flow, or abnormal new blood vessels.
What is diabetic macular edema (DME)?
Diabetic macular edema, or DME, is swelling in the macula caused by leakage from damaged retinal blood vessels. The macula is the part of the retina that supports sharp central vision.
How diabetic retinopathy and DME relate
DME is not a separate disease unrelated to diabetic retinopathy. It is one way diabetic retinopathy can affect vision, and it can occur at different stages of diabetic retinal disease.
Diabetic retinopathy vs DME: why the distinction matters
A person may have diabetic retinopathy without DME, and a person with DME may need treatment specifically aimed at macular swelling. That is why the two terms are related but not interchangeable.
| Diabetic retinopathy | Diabetic macular edema (DME) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The broader term for diabetes-related damage to the retinal blood vessels | Swelling in the macula caused by leakage from damaged retinal blood vessels |
| What it can involve | Early vessel changes through to more advanced disease with bleeding, blocked blood flow, or abnormal new blood vessels | Fluid affecting the macula, the part of the retina that supports sharp central vision |
| How they connect | Can be present without DME | One way diabetic retinopathy can affect vision; can occur at different stages of diabetic retinal disease |
Key takeaway
Diabetic retinopathy is the broader retinal disease caused by diabetes. DME is the macular swelling that can develop when that disease leads to fluid leakage.
Frequently asked questions
Is DME the same as diabetic retinopathy?
No. The terms are related but not interchangeable. the difference between diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema is primarily that diabetic retinopathy is the broader retinal disease caused by diabetes, while DME is the macular swelling that can develop when that disease leads to fluid leakage.
Can you have diabetic retinopathy without DME?
Yes. A person may have diabetic retinopathy without DME.
What is the macula?
The macula is the part of the retina that supports sharp central vision.
When can DME occur?
DME can occur at different stages of diabetic retinal disease.
Retina care and referrals in Hamilton
Retina Consultants of Hamilton provides educational information on macular conditions, and Precision Retina Care accepts patient referrals from optometrists and referring physicians in the Hamilton area. Learn more about how DME is managed or visit our referral information page.
Related reading:
- What are the symptoms of diabetic macular edema?
- When should DME be referred to a retina specialist?
General educational information only. This page is not a substitute for an eye examination or individualized medical advice. Specific referral, testing, and treatment decisions depend on clinical assessment.
Reviewed by Dr. Varun Chaudhary, vitreoretinal specialist, Retina Consultants of Hamilton.